According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 36 million falls are recorded among older adults each year-resulting in more than 32,000 injuries. Furthermore, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury. The fear of falling is a common and rational fear for older adults. Often, falls cause injuries that take away independence for the short term during the healing process and other times for longer term. 

BingoCize was created as a socially engaging group based program that combines exercise, health, education and the game of bingo. Cooperative Extension agents across the state were trained in the BingoCize curriculum. The Cumberland County Family and Consumer Sciences agent recruited and implemented the program with two groups. Eighteen participants completed the ten-week series with a focus on falls prevention. 

Follow-up evaluations with the two groups reflected the following:

-88% rated themselves as sure or very sure of being able to reduce falls

-66% stated that they were more steady on their feet

-100% said they felt more comfortable talking to their health care professional about their medications

-94% felt more comfortable talking to family and friends about risks for falls

-88% said they felt more comfortable increasing their physical activity

-94% stated they felt more satisfied with their life

-94% would recommend the program to a friend

-88% shared that they had spoken to a family member or friend about how they could reduce their risk of falling